Influence of gonadic hormones on the rat submaxillary gland.

ABSTRACT

The area of the granular tubules of the submaxillary gland was evaluated in male and female rats at 60 days of age. In males, this area was significantly greater than in females, corroborating the presence of sex dimorphism in this structure. Dimorphism disappeared after castration. Testosterone increased tubular area. Estrogen and progesterone as well as pregnancy reduced it. The tubular surface was significantly greater at term than at mid pregnancy.